Exclusive Album Premiere: Artizan — 'Ancestral Energy'

Today, GuitarWorld.com presents the exclusive premiere of Ancestral Energy, the guitar-heavy new album by Artizan. Ancestral Energy will be released May 14 by Pure Steel Records.

Artizan had a surprise hit two years ago with their debut album, Curse of the Artizan. But Ancestral Energy, the band's sophomore release, will surprise listeners. The melody lines are more sophisticated, the arrangements more intense.

The title track even features a guest performance by ex-Iced Earth singer Matt Barlow. The entire album showcases the talents of singer Tom Braden — and the rest of the band.

For more about the band, check out their official website and Facebook page.

Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.